The "Dial" Approach to Growth and Wellness: Moving Beyond the "All or Nothing" Mentality
Jon Macaskill
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Jon Macaskill
Man of Faith | Retired Navy SEAL | Mindfulness Coach | Podcaster | Sharing Good News Stories | Leading with Grit, Humor, and Some Level of Chaos Management (as kids yell in background!) | I’d be honored if you’d follow!
In our pursuit of wellness, many of us fall into the trap of the "all or nothing" mentality. Whether it's a rigorous fitness regimen, a strict diet, or a dedicated mindfulness practice, we often believe that unless we're giving 100% all the time, we're not giving enough. Not being able to get an hour in the gym prevents us from getting 15 minutes of exercise. Not eating perfectly convinces us it's ok to eat a large pizza, wash it down with a soda, and follow it up with 2 bowls of Ben and Jerry's! (Don't get me wrong, I do love an occasional pizza or Ben and Jerry's!)
But this mindset can lead to burnout, disappointment, and even regression. Instead, imagine if we treated our wellness journey more like a dial than a switch - it's not "on" or "off" - we can adjust our efforts based on our current circumstances, capacity, and needs.
Turning the Dial: A Sustainable Approach
- Mindfulness: Rather than feeling you need to meditate for an hour daily, adjust the dial. Some days, it might be 10 minutes, other days 30, and sometimes just taking mindful breaths during stressful moments.
- Fitness Regimen: If you can't fit in your usual hour-long workout, a 20-minute brisk walk or quick HIIT session still counts. Adjust your activity based on how your body feels and the time available.
- Nutrition: Every meal doesn't need to be perfect. Strive for balance over the course of a week rather than at every meal. Remember, it's what you do consistently over time that matters.
The Benefits of the Dial Approach
1. Flexibility: Life is unpredictable. The dial approach allows you to be adaptable and resilient.
2. Reduced Pressure: Knowing you can adjust relieves the immense pressure of "all or nothing" thinking.
3. Sustained Progress: Incremental and consistent efforts often lead to long-term success.
Tips to Start Practicing the "Dial" Mentality
1. Self-awareness: Check in with yourself regularly. Recognize when you're pushing too hard or not enough and adjust accordingly.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on the progress made, no matter how small.
3. Seek Balance: Instead of extremes in any regimen, aim for balance. This is key to longevity and maintaining enthusiasm.
4. Reframe Setbacks: Instead of seeing them as failures, view them as feedback. Learn and adjust your dial.
By viewing our wellness journey more as a dial we can adjust, we embrace a more compassionate, sustainable, and holistic approach. Let's shed the restrictive "all or nothing" mindset and celebrate the shades of effort in between. Your journey is uniquely yours, and every step, no matter how small, is a stride toward your full potential.
Train hard, breathe easy
Jon Macaskill
IT Specialist || Technical Support Engineer
1 年Be the master on video editing… https://digitstem.com/t/TGk5WmRiSE1rajhlU3A1Zy9DeElrQT09-MTM0MTM0
Advocate...Gujarat Highcourt-SIENCE 1987...Ex. Municipal Corporator in Ahmedabad ( 1976-1993)...Ex.-Director -GIDC..(1990-1994 )-Ex. Member -Textile committee of India...President-IPLST_NGO-Social worker and Politician
1 年WISH U A HAPPY HAPPY ENJOYING DAY... GOD BLESS U WITH A HEALTHY, WEALTHY & PROSPEROUS LIFE... ROHIT PATEL...
Registered Nurse at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
1 年I just started following you due to the message you presented above because it touch my core and aligns with my belief that ---- Surpassing Challenges Is Possible with Perseverance by Being Compassionate, Motivating, Driven to Make the Positive Difference through Mindful Awareness! Thank you, I thought I lost it but once again my faith has proven that I am strong!
Public Relations, Corporate Communication Specialist, President at G&A Comunica??o Corporativa
1 年Love it! Many thanks for felling me better.
Personal Fitness & Lifestyle Expert, Serving Actively Aging Seniors; Business Coach for Gym Owners and Fitness Pros; Author; Presenter; Cancer Survivor; Podcast Guest
1 年Insightful post Jon .. loved all your messaging Could have replaced Ben And Jerry’s with a different ice cream company … however BZ!